MANKATO, Minn. — The 2026 softball season kicked off today as the Saint Mary's jumped out to a perfect 2-0 start at the Mankato Dome Saturday afternoon.

SMU 7, UNW 1

In the first game of the season, the Cardinals secured a decisive 7-1 victory over the University of Northwestern-St. Paul (0-1). The Cardinals collected 11 hits, including two triples, and stole five bases to dominate the game.

Megan McGinnis led the team offensively, recording three hits, including a double and a triple, and driving in two runs. Abbie Stigler contributed with two hits, one of which was a triple, and also added two RBIs. Makayla Steffes was effective on the mound, pitching a complete game with nine strikeouts and allowing just one earned run over seven innings. 

In the opening inning, Saint Mary's took an early lead with McGinnis scoring on a single by Stigler. Their offense continued to build momentum in the second inning, as McGinnis doubled down the left-field line, driving in Alexandra Gerber for another run.

Saint Mary's kept the runs coming in the third inning when Gerber's bunt single allowed a pinch runner to score. They extended the lead in the fourth inning with a two-run effort making it 5-0.

Northwestern managed to score in the sixth inning, but the Cardinals responded in the bottom half. An error and a series of hits, including a bunt single by Steffes, resulted in two more runs. 

SMU 2, NWU 1

For the final game of the day, the Cardinals secured a 2-1 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University (0-1).

Saint Mary's pitcher Kenzie Gatz recorded eight strikeouts over seven innings, allowing just four hits and no earned runs.

Steffes posted a double and an RBI while recording a save with just under two innings pitched, allowing no earned runs and striking out three batters. Gatz earned a win giving up two hits and striking out five. 

The game commenced with Nebraska Wesleyan taking an early lead in the first inning, scoring one unearned run. The Cardinals responded in the third inning when Gerber singled and stole second base, eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly by Steffes to tie the game at 1-1 after the third inning.

In the fifth inning, the Cardinals took the lead. Karli Zetah walked and stole second, later scoring on a single by McGinnis. This put the Cardinals ahead 2-1 after the fifth inning. The defensive effort was highlighted by the Cardinals holding Nebraska Wesleyan scoreless in the remaining innings, with a notable performance in the seventh inning where Nebraska Wesleyan managed two hits but could not capitalize. The final score was Saint Mary's 2, Nebraska Wesleyan 1.

The team will get some rest before heading into two more matchups tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. against Bethany Lutheran.